BuiltBest Spotlight

Steven P. Kenney, President, LEED AP, N.B. Kenney Company, Inc., Devens, MA is the President Elect of New England Mechanical Contractors Association (NEMCA) and serves on the Board of Directors of Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts (ASM) and Children’s Investment Fund (CIF). Steve is also a member of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), and Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Contractors of Greater Boston (PHCC).

How long has the company been in business?

“N.B. Kenney Company, Inc. proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary in November. The company, founded by Norman B. Kenney, began working exclusively in the public sector but by the 1990’s expanded into the private market, specializing in challenging and complex projects. I worked at the firm in some capacity since the age of 14.”

How has N.B. Kenney Company, Inc. been able to stay strong during these challenging economic times?

“We are, and always have been, committed to performing work which meets the highest quality and safety standards. This has made it possible for N.B. Kenney to stay strong in the market. We don’t cut corners and we don’t take projects for below cost, which is an absolute recipe for disaster. This core principle has meant turning down some projects, but we have built long-term relationships with owners, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, labor and vendors which has made us stronger as we slowly head out of this recession.”

Why did N.B. Kenney Company, Inc. become signatory to the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters?

“We began as an open-shop mechanical contractor but in 1993 became signatory to the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters because we needed to tap into a pool of highly skilled, qualified, experienced and trained crafts people for a number of demanding and complicated projects. Union construction provides training unmatched in the industry to the tune of over $28 million annually in Massachusetts.”

What are some of N.B. Kenney’s current and completed projects?

“N.B. Kenney’s work can be found in leading schools, universities, government and municipal buildings, hospitals, manufacturing and pharmaceutical facilities, and housing projects in the Northeast region. A sample of some of N.B. Kenney’s current and completed projects include the following: Newton North High School; John W McCormack Federal Courthouse; MIT’s New Graduate Student Dormitory; Suffolk County Courthouse historic renovation; The Liberty Hotel; The Boston Westin Hotel; UMass Lakeside Hospital addition; Bristol Meyers Squibb – Devens Manufacturing Facility; Evergreen Solar; Fall River, Plymouth and Taunton Trial Court Facilities; Weston High School; and the CVS Caremark Office Complex. “

What is your business philosophy?

As Robert Nims, Executive Vice President, says, “We give every owner and general contractor our personal attention. We always want to be part of the solution and that means stressing the importance of value over price.” “N.B. Kenney offers a wide range of plumbing and HVAC services in a variety of areas in construction including: conceptual budgeting, pre-construction services, design build / design assist, plan and spec, troubleshooting and retrofit. N.B. Kenney also offers full, in-house BIM coordination services utilizing the latest in three-dimensional building modeling. Its state of the art fabrication facility is ready to provide "Just in Time" delivery to ensure timely completion on even the most challenging of project schedules.”

What is your key to success?

“Because profit margins are thin these days it’s paramount that we’re in a partnership with everyone involved in the project or it will not be successful. In these challenging economic times, where everyone is looking at the bottom line, project planning and execution must be flawless to be able to satisfy your client and still turn a profit. This is how N.B. Kenney has been able to survive and succeed for the last 40 years, and hopefully 40 more to come.”

Steve can be contacted at skenney@nbkenney.com or for more information: www.nbkenney.com

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Retired Local 7 Ironworker Paul DiPietro: President of Malden City Council and Ward 3 Councillor

Submitted by Built Best on February 10, 2010 - 1:32pm.

Paul DiPietro is President of the Malden City Council after taking the reins from Craig Spadafora who is running as a Republican for a State Senate seat up for grabs in November. The council president makes committee assignments and procedural decisions, among other powers. DiPietro comes to the position with over 40 years experience in labor movement and 20 years representing workers at Local 7.

TCI sat down with DiPietro to talk about his new job:

Background and Education:

Paul J. Dipietro is a lifelong resident of Malden. He has lived in Malden for over 60 years and 35 years in Malden.

Malden Public Schools, Class of 1966 graduate of Malden High School; Bachelor of Science, Boston State College Class of 1970; Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program; and Harvard Trade Union Program, 1995 (Kennedy School of Government)

Family:

Married 40 years to Christine (Banks) Dipietro. Two sons- Patrick, 27, and Michael, 25.

Why did you run for public office?

"I love helping people and I am a lifelong Malden resident who went through the school system.I love to see Malden succeed. In 2008, Malden was ranked as one of the best places to raise kids."

How has your experience with the Ironworkers Local 7 helped Malden?

"My experience is a benefit to my constituents. I have experience and knowledge to ensure our public buildings are being done by responsible employers and the work is being done by qualified tradespeople."

For more information on Paul Dipietro click here.

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Maureen Electrical Inc.Survives Tough Economy by Signing with IBEW Local 103

Submitted by Built Best on October 22, 2009 - 9:19pm.

Maureen Electrical Inc. is a privately held, woman owned business, Founded in 1998 by Maureen Thompson who is a Union Contractor, Journeyperson and Master Electrician. The focus from its inception has been to provide the highest level of quality Electrical Service and ethical standards to the business of Electrical Construction.

The Construction Institute interviewed Maureen Thompson of Maureen Electrical Inc. on how she became an electrician and why she became a signatory contractor with IBEW Local 103.

Why did you become an electrician?

“I was a legal secretary and had two children to support. I wanted to send my daughter to private school so I was looking for a part-time job and saw a job posting in the local paper for apprentices. I loved the work and I was able to send my daughter through private school. I went from a suit to a hardhat. “

Was it hard being a woman in the business?

“When I first started in the business there were a lot of challenges being a women, but now it is more accepted. In the beginning, I was the only woman on a jobsite, but I was able to prove that I could do the work and then I was accepted.”

How long have you been in the business?

“I have been in the field for 20 years. I am a master electrician and a licensed journey person.”

Why did you become signatory to the union?

“I signed with the IBEW Local 103 last year to help grow my business.”

How has the union helped your business?

“Signing with the union has helped me survive the economy and give me access to other projects. The IBEW Local 103 has helped me to grow my business. The networking, meeting other contractors and access to a pool of highly skilled and trained craftspeople is a great advantage. I used to have to go through the newspaper looking for craftspeople, now I just contact the IBEW. I am also able to help other contractors with the (WBE) Women Business and Disadvantage Enterprise requirement on projects.”

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NE Ironworkers' Council President Jay Hurley Publishes Debut Novel

Submitted by Built Best on August 19, 2009 - 7:29am.

New England Ironworkers' Council President and Board Member of The Construction Institute Jay Hurley published his debut Novel, IRONY. The novel is set in South Boston and is about a woman who goes out for her daily walk and is kidnapped and used as leverage against an alleged wrongdoing by her son, a young but prominent Boston attorney. IRONY keeps readers on edge with a multitude of twists and turns. Click here for a complete description of IRONY and recent book reviews.

Jay Hurley is donating proceeds of the book to Julie's Family Learning Program in Boston. Julie's is a non-profit community-based support and education program helping low-income, female-headed families break the cycle of poverty. Click here to learn more about Julie's Family Learning Program. Jay Hurley says, "Today's economy has deciminated many non-profit entities. Every penny I earn from your purchase of IRONY..will be donated to certified non-profit entities."

The Construction Institute interviewed Jay Hurley about writing IRONY.

Jay, what sparked your interest in writing the book? How long did it take you to write the book and get interest from a publisher?

"I began the book four years ago. It took two years to write. It sat on the shelf for a year-and-one-half as I did not have a lot of time to focus on it."

Why did you choose Julie’s Family Learning Program as a non-profit to donate proceeds from the book? "I ended up publishing the book during the huge economic downfall. Julie’s is near and dear to my heart. Here’s why: About ten-years ago I attended a Julie’s event and a girl got up with a heartbreaking story. Unbelievably, she had straightened out her life and was a member of IW Local 7. All this was made possible by Julie’s Family Learning Program. I knew the girl, but never knew her background.

IRONY by Jay Hurley"

Do you have plans to write other books? What has the response been so far?

"I just did a major home renovation project and I am awaiting the delivery of a custom made glass writing desk and will be putting together the accompanying (plush leather!) chair this weekend. My intention is to write as many as possible. I wrote this one on a laptop sitting on my couch and broke my back!"

What does it feel like to see your book on bookstore shelves or on-line and see such great reviews?

"Right now, you must order the book online, but I hope to change than soon by selling many books and proving there is true interest in it."

Any plans for a movie – pitching to Hollywood? "I hope so. I just got a great review in Southie Online, a local newspaper (the Print Edition). They recommended that the book would make a great movie."

Where did you go to school – did you always have an interest in writing?

"I started Ironworking right out of high school so I have no formal education past that. I have never taken any writing courses either. I set huge personal goals then shoot for the moon. Here are two examples: In 1988, having never participated in a single road race, I trained for, ran, and completed the Boston Marathon. In 1989, due to a bad knee, I took up bicycling. In 1990 I pedaled from Los Angles to Boston in 42-days."

How long have you been with the Ironworkers?

"I became a member of Local 7 at age 19 on June 5, 1974. So I just celebrated my 35^th year in the local. I spent 19-years working with the tools and the past 16 years in full time union representation. (Local 7 Business Agent; Local 7 Business Manager [the first in their 101-year-history]; General Organizer for the International; District Council President of the Iron Workers DC of New England {a position I still hold]; and 6^th General Vice-President of the Iron Workers International Union [present job])."

To order a copy of IRONY and help Julie's Family Learning Program click here.

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Special Award Given for Leadership in Promoting Helmets to Hardhats Program

Submitted by superuser on December 16, 2008 - 8:40am.

William D. Mooney, President of the Building Trades Training Directors Association of Massachusetts was presented with a special award to recognize his sponsorship and leadership in promoting the Helmets to Hardhats program and his role in making the program successful in Massachusetts.

William D. Mooney, of Milford, is a former decorated marine who entered the building trades forty years ago after serving in Vietnam. Mooney became an apprentice with Operating Engineers Local 4, and then worked as an operating engineer before becoming director of the Operating Engineers Local 4 training center. His career ultimately led him to serve as the President of the Building Trades Training Directors Association of Massachusetts, an organization that represents building trades joint apprenticeship training centers across the state.

Richie Eckler of Helmets to Hardhats says, ‘William Mooney’s continued support of the Helmets to Hardhats program in giving military candidates an opportunity to have a career is second to none. A wounded warrior himself, he knows firsthand, the dedication it takes to have a successful career in the trades. His leadership and sincere desire to participate in Helmets to Hardhats has contributed greatly to the program’s success”.

The award was presented by Darrell Roberts, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats at the Eastern Seaboard Apprenticeship Conference on May 26, 2009m at the Westin Copley Plaza in Boston.

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Steven P. Kenney of N.B. Kenney Company, Inc. and President Elect of NEMCA

Retired Local 7 Ironworker Paul DiPietro: President of Malden City Council and Ward 3 Councillor

Maureen Electrical Inc.Survives Tough Economy by Signing with IBEW Local 103

NE Ironworkers' Council President Jay Hurley Publishes Debut Novel

Special Award Given for Leadership in Promoting Helmets to Hardhats Program